The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-08


would seriously discourage what we should
earnestly encourage, namely, the sheep
culture among farmers throughout the
Union. To breakdown wool growing and
be dependent on foreign countries for the
blanket under which we sleep, and the
coat that covers our backs, is not wise
policy for the national government to en-
force"
"Do you think il the Presidents recon-
mendation were adopted it would increase
our export trader"
Possibly in some few articles OF peculiar
construction, but IL would increase other
import trade ten fold rs much in the great
staple fabrics, in wooden and cotton goods,
in iron, in steel, in all the thousand and
one shapes in which they are wrought
How are we TO export staple fabrics TO the
markets of Europe, and how are we to
manufacture them cheaper than, they do
in Europe, unless we get cheaper labor
than they have in EuropeY'
'Then you think that the question OF
labor underles the whole subject?'
"Of course ii does" replied Mr. Blaine.
at is, in fact, the entire question. When
ever we can force carpenters, masons, iron
workers and mechanics in every depart
ment to work as cheaply and live as poorly
in the United States as similar workmen
in Europe, we can, OF course, manufacture
Just as cheaply as they do in England and
France. But / am totally opposed TO q
policy that would entail such results. To
attempt it is equivalent TO a social and
financial revolution, and that would bring
untold distress"
"Yes, but might not the great farming
class be benefited by importing articles
from Europe instead Of buying them at
higher prices at homer
"The moment" answered Mr.. Blaine,
"you begin TO import freely from Europe
you drive your own workmen from me-
chanical and manufacturing pursuits. In
the same proportion they become tiilcrs OF
the soil, Increasing steadily the agricult-
ural product and decreasing steadily the
large home demand, which is constantly
enlarging as home manufacturers enlarge.
That OF course, works great injury TO the
farmer, Cutting the market with his prod
ucts and tending constantly to lower
prices"
eyes, but the foreign demand for farm
products would be increased in ike ratio,
would it not?'
Gwen suppose itwere, said Mr. Blaine;
|
| IL will be supplied? The tendency in Rus
sia today and in the Asiatic possessions Of
England is toward a large increase Of the
grain supply, the grain being raised by the
cheapest possible labor. Manuiactur-
ing countries will buy their bread
stufs where they can set them
| cheapest and the charging OF the
home market for the American farmer
l.. 81 L. Ia, -,
for one OF the same value. His foreign
sales are already checked by the grea, COM
petition abroad. There never was time
was 80 valuable to him. The best proof is
that the farmers are prosperous in proper
ton 10 the nearncss of manufactur.
ing centers, and protective hgill
tends TO spread manufactures. In
Ohio and Indiana, for example, though
not classed ~ manufacturing States the
annual value OF fabrics is larger than the
annual value OF agricultural products"
''But those holding the President
views" remarked the reporter, ''arc al
ways quoting the great prosperity OF the
! country under the tariff Of 1916"
"That tariff did not involve the distinct
i've point recommended by the President,
namely: the retaining Of direct internal
taxes in order 10 abolish indirect taxes
levied on foreign fabrics. But the country
had peculiar Advantages under il by the
Crimean war involving England, France
and Russia, and largely impairing their
trade; these Incidents or accidents, were
immensely stimulating 10 trade in the
United States, regardless OF the nature
OF our tariff But mark the end OF this
lao =
1916, which for time gave an illusory aud
deceptive show OF prosperity. Its enact
.ment was Immediately followed by the
Mexican war; then, in 1913, by the great
commissions OF Europe; then, in 1919 and
succeeding years, by the enormous gold
yield in California. The powers made
output OF gold in California fell off. I'm
mediately the financial panic of 1857
came upon the country with dsas.
trous force. Though we had in these
years mined vast amount OF gold In
California every bank in New York was
compelled 10 suspend specie payment.
-Four hundred millions in gold had been
carried out Of the country In eight years TO
pay for foreign goods that should have
| been manufactured NJ home, and we had
aioncmcnt for our folly. II is remarkable
that President Polk recommended the
tariff OF 1916 ON precisely the same ground
that President Cleveland recommends a
similar enactment now, namely: the sur.
plus in the treasury was menacing the
prosperity Of the country. History is re-
| pcating itself.
"By the way," Mr.. Blaine added, after
| -
/ that Mr.. Polk insisted on emptying the
treasury by free trade tariff, then imme-
| diatcly rushed the country into debt BY
borrowing $50 OOO, 600 for the Mexican war.
trust nothing may occur 10 repeat 80 dis.
ed by President Cleveland. But the uni.
form fate has been for fifty years past that
the Democratic party, when u goes out Of
power, always leaves an empty treasury,
and when II returns to power always finds
n full treasury"
Then DO YOU mean 10 imply that there
should be no reduction Of the national
| rcycnucp'
"No, what have said implies the re-
verse. would reduce II by prompt 10.
peal OF the tobacco tax, and would make
| here and there some changes In the tarilf,
not 10 reduce protection, but wisely foster
it,"
"would you explain your meaning
fullyT'
IL mean" said Mr.. Blaine, "that no
great system OF revenue like our tariff can
operate with efficiency and equity unless
the changes Of trade bo closely watched
and the law promptly adapted to those
changes. hut | would make no change
that should impair the protective
character Of the whole body Of the
tariff laws -Four Years ago, in the
| a. a 1899 No Innlln rhnr,.rna 81 Ihn